Age to start agility

ShowJumperBeckii

ShowJumperBeckii

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Hey, we have a new border collie puppy (9weeks) and i would like to do some agility, i know they have to be at least a year old to compete but i was just wondering what age you could start to teach them? obviously not too young cause there joints are still forming etc
thank you :p
 
Hi, Not sure about most clubs but mine does puppy classes. Its basically a social thing but they do teach them to go over the equipment on the floor and through tunnels etc, they take fro 5months i think
 
Deefa said:
Hi, Not sure about most clubs but mine does puppy classes. Its basically a social thing but they do teach them to go over the equipment on the floor and through tunnels etc, they take fro 5months i think
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Yeah i know a few that do in my area so just wanted to check what was a suitable age to take him
thanks alot :) x
 
I did obedience training with my GSP until he was 18 months, then I joined an agility club. He's taken to it like a duck to water and the trainer commented that it was like he'd been doing it for years.

I don't think an agility club would let you do ANY jumping until they are at least a year (really damaging on their joints).... I'd concentrate on general obedience.... it will pay off anyway!
 
galaxymisletoe said:
I did obedience training with my GSP until he was 18 months, then I joined an agility club. He's taken to it like a duck to water and the trainer commented that it was like he'd been doing it for years.

I don't think an agility club would let you do ANY jumping until they are at least a year (really damaging on their joints).... I'd concentrate on general obedience.... it will pay off anyway!
Click to expand...

Thank you :D x
 
For a large dog (which your BC would be) general rule of thumb is not to start jumping until a year old (not allowed to compete until older). Most clubs won't allow a dog that is under a year old to join proper classes (some exceptions for small dogs) as it can have health implications. However, alot of clubs offer starter/puppy classes where the dogs get used to the equipment and are taught some of the basic commands that they will need without doing any jumping.
 
Most clubs won't let you start until the pup is a year old, but there are some that do puppy agility, which is poles on the floor, teaching them directions, wait and recall, touch, etc. You can't compete until they are 18 months old. You should start looking for a good club now as the good clubs tend to have loooong waiting lists!
 
The classes where I am only start after the pup is 12 months, but it's worth looking now and also finding a puppy obedience class for training / socialisation.:)
 
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